Securing of panels to grill system

ABSTRACT

In an embodiment, a grill system can include a grill assembly and a first side assembly. The grill assembly can include a grill cart and a burner box coupled to a top portion of the grill cart. The first side assembly can include a first side cart and a first panel. The first side cart is configured to be transitioned between a folded state and an upright state; wherein the grill assembly is coupled to the first side assembly. When the first panel is coupled to an outer side of the first side cart, the first side cart is locked into the upright state. Other embodiments are also included herein.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/690,700, filed Jun. 27, 2018, the content of which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The following five nonprovisional applications also claim priority toU.S. Provisional Application No. 62/690,700, are co-owned, and are filedon the event date herewith: U.S. application Ser. No. ______, titled,“Grill and Side Cart Attachment Systems and Methods,” having AttorneyDocket No. 277.0003USU1; U.S. application Ser. No. ______, titled,“Grill System with Decorative Panels,” having Attorney Docket No.277.0005USU1; U.S. application Ser. No. ______, titled, “Gas Guard inGrill Cart,” having Attorney Docket No. 277.0006USU1; U.S. applicationSer. No. ______, titled, “Side Cart Locking Mechanism,” having AttorneyDocket No. 277.0007USU1; and U.S. application Ser. No. ______, titled,“Grill Assembly with Foldable Cart,” having Attorney Docket No.277.0012USU1; the contents of which for each application are hereinincorporated by reference in their entirety. The following four designapplications are co-owned and are filed on the event date herewith: U.S.Design application Ser. No. ______, titled, “Grill System,” havingAttorney Docket No. 277.0013US01; U.S. Design application Ser. No.______, titled, “Grill Assembly,” having Attorney Docket No.277.0014US01; U.S. Design application Ser. No. ______, titled, “GrillCart,” having Attorney Docket No. 277.0015US01; U.S. Design applicationSer. No. ______, titled, “Side Assembly,” having Attorney Docket No.277.0016US01; the contents of which for each application are hereinincorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present application relates to grills and outdoor cooking systems.More specifically, the present application relates to modular grills andoutdoor cooking systems.

BACKGROUND

Grilling is a cooking style that is especially popular in the UnitedStates. Grills are frequently not particularly portable or easy to setup. In many cases, grills are difficult to assemble due to numeroussteps requiring the user to construct a frame with numerous components.

Attempts have been made to design grills that are easy to assemble afterunloading from shipping containers. However, in many past systems, grillsystems include a large number of pieces, require numerous steps toassemble, and some assembly steps require tools.

Some past systems mount a firebox on a foldable stand. However, thefoldable stands can require complex set-up steps and, even in the foldedconfiguration, some of the foldable stands take-up significant space.

Permanent outdoor grill installations are increasingly popular, andallow consumers to choose many finishes and options to create anattractive and functional outdoor kitchen environment. Theseinstallations are very expensive, and lack the flexibility of a moveablegrill system.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, a grill system is provided. The grill system caninclude a grill assembly and a first side assembly. The grill assemblycan include a grill cart and a burner box coupled to a top portion ofthe grill cart. The first side assembly can include a first side cartand a first panel. The first side cart is configured to be transitionedbetween a folded state and an upright state. The grill assembly iscoupled to the first side assembly. When the first panel is coupled toan outer side of the first side cart, the first side cart is locked intothe upright state.

In an embodiment, the first side cart includes: a front frame; a backframe opposite from the front frame; and a first shelf extending fromthe front frame to the back frame; wherein the first shelf includes afront half and a back half, the front half rotatably coupled to the backhalf and rotatably coupled to the front frame, and the back halfrotatably coupled to the back frame, such that when the first side cartis in the folded state the front half and the back half are not locatedin the same plane and when the first side cart is in the upright statethe front half and the back half are in the same plane.

In an embodiment, in the folded state, the front half is substantiallyparallel with the back half, the front frame and the back frame.

In an embodiment, in the upright state, the front half is substantiallyparallel with the back half, and the first shelf is substantiallyperpendicular to the front frame and the back frame.

In an embodiment, the first side cart further includes a second shelfextending from the front frame to the back frame; wherein the secondshelf includes a front half and a back half, the front half rotatablycoupled to the back half and rotatably coupled to the front frame, andthe back half rotatably coupled to the back frame, such that when thefirst side cart is in the folded state the front half and the back halfare not located in the same plane and when the first side cart is in theupright state the front half and the back half are in the same plane.

In an embodiment, in the locked upright state, the first panel preventsthe back frame of the first side cart from being able to be moved closerto the front frame of the first side cart.

In an embodiment, in the locked upright state, the first panel isdisposed between a portion of the front frame and a portion of the backframe.

In an embodiment, in the locked upright state, the first panel contactsa portion of the front frame and a portion of the back frame.

In an embodiment, the grill system can include a second panel. Thesecond panel is coupled to the grill cart on an opposite side of thegrill cart from the first side assembly.

In an embodiment, the grill system can include a second side assembly.The second side assembly can include a second side cart and a secondpanel. The second side cart is configured to be transitioned between afolded state and an upright state. The second side assembly is coupledto the grill assembly on an opposite side of the grill assembly from thefirst side assembly. When the second panel is coupled to an outer sideof the second side cart, opposite from the grill assembly, the secondside cart is locked in the upright state.

In an embodiment, the grill system can include a toe kick panel coupledto the front frame of the first side cart. The toe kick panel issubstantially perpendicular to the first panel when the first panel iscoupled to the outer side of the first side cart. The toe kick panelincludes a first design and the first panel include the first design.

In an embodiment, the first side cart includes a panel connectionprojection and the first panel defines a panel connection apertureconfigured for a portion of the panel connection projection to extendwithin.

In an embodiment, the first panel and the first side cart are coupledtogether with a latch.

In an embodiment, a method of assembling a grill system is provided. Themethod can include aligning a burner box with a top portion of a grillcart; coupling the burner box to the grill cart to form a grillassembly; transitioning a first side cart from a folded state to anupright state; locking the first side cart in the upright state therebyforming a first side assembly; aligning the first side assembly with thegrill assembly; and coupling the first side assembly to the grillassembly.

In an embodiment, the first side cart is locked in the upright state bycoupling a first panel to the first side cart.

In an embodiment, the method can include: coupling a second panel to thegrill cart; wherein the second panel is coupled to a side of the grillcart that is opposite from the first side assembly.

In an embodiment, the method can include: aligning a first top cap withthe first side cart; and coupling the first top cap with the first sidecart; wherein the first top cap includes a functional element selectedfrom the group consisting of: a second burner box, an ice box, a smoker,an oven, a sink, a work surface, a warming drawer, a sous vide, a highheat burner, a ceramic cooker, a pellet grill, a portion of a pelletgrill, a pellet feeder, a pellet hopper, or a refrigerator.

In an embodiment, the method can include: transitioning a second sidecart from a folded state to an upright state; locking the second sidecart in the upright state thereby forming a second side assembly;aligning the second side assembly with the grill assembly on theopposite side from the first side assembly; and coupling the second sideassembly to the grill assembly.

In an embodiment, the second side cart is locked in the upright state bycoupling a second panel to the second side cart.

In an embodiment, the method can include: aligning a first top cap withthe first side cart; coupling the first top cap with the first sidecart; aligning a second top cap with the second side cart; and couplingthe second top cap with the second side cart; wherein the first top capincludes a functional element selected from the group consisting of: asecond burner box, an ice box, a smoker, an oven, a sink, a worksurface, a warming drawer, a sous vide, a high heat burner, a ceramiccooker, a pellet grill, a portion of a pellet grill, a pellet feeder, apellet hopper, or a refrigerator; wherein the second top cap includes afunctional element selected from the group consisting of: a secondburner box, an ice box, a smoker, an oven, a sink, a work surface, awarming drawer, a sous vide, a high heat burner, a ceramic cooker, apellet grill, a portion of a pellet grill, a pellet feeder, a pellethopper, or a refrigerator.

In an embodiment, the functional element of the first top cap is notequivalent to the functional element of the second top cap.

In an embodiment, a grill system is provided. The grill system caninclude a grill assembly and a first side assembly. The grill assemblycan include a grill cart and a burner box coupled to a top portion ofthe grill cart. The first side assembly can include a first side cart, afirst top cap, and a first panel. The first top cap is coupled to a topportion of the first side cart. The first side cart is configured to betransitioned between a folded state and an upright state. The grillassembly is coupled to the first side assembly. When the first panel iscoupled to an outer side of the first side cart, the first side cart islocked in the upright state. The first top cap includes a functionalelement selected from the group consisting of: a second burner box, anice box, a smoker, an oven, a sink, a work surface, a warming drawer, asous vide, a high heat burner, a ceramic cooker, a pellet grill, aportion of a pellet grill, a pellet feeder, a pellet hopper, or arefrigerator.

In an embodiment, grill system can include: a second side assembly caninclude a second side cart, a second top cap, and a second panel;wherein the second top cap is coupled to a top portion of the secondside cart, wherein the second side cart is configured to be transitionedbetween a folded state and an upright state; wherein the second sideassembly is coupled to the grill assembly; wherein when the second panelis coupled to an outer side of the second side cart the second side cartis locked in the upright state; wherein the second top cap includes afunctional element selected from the group consisting of: a secondburner box, an ice box, a smoker, an oven, a sink, a work surface, awarming drawer, a sous vide, a high heat burner, a ceramic cooker, apellet grill, a portion of a pellet grill, a pellet feeder, a pellethopper, or a refrigerator; wherein the functional element of the firsttop cap is not equivalent to the functional element of the second topcap.

In an embodiment, a grill assembly is included having a grill cartconfigured to be transitioned between a folded state and an uprightstate; a burner box; and a panel. The burner box is coupled to a topportion of the grill cart; wherein when the panel is coupled to an outerside of the grill cart the grill cart is locked into the upright state.

This summary is an overview of some of the teachings of the presentapplication and is not intended to be an exclusive or exhaustivetreatment of the present subject matter. Further details are found inthe detailed description and appended claims. Other aspects will beapparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading and understandingthe following detailed description and viewing the drawings that form apart thereof, each of which is not to be taken in a limiting sense. Thescope herein is defined by the appended claims and their legalequivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Aspects may be more completely understood in connection with thefollowing figures (FIGS.), in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a grill system in accordance with variousembodiments herein.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a grill system in accordance with variousembodiments herein.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a grill system in accordance with variousembodiments herein.

FIG. 4 is a front exploded view of a side assembly in accordance withvarious embodiments herein.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a side cart in a folded state in accordancewith various embodiments herein.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a side cart in a partially folded statein accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a side cart assembly in an upright statein accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a side cart assembly in an upright statein accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a side cart in accordance with variousembodiments herein.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a grill cart in a folded state in accordancewith various embodiments herein.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a grill cart in an upright state inaccordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a female panel connection element inaccordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a back side of a panel in accordancewith various embodiments herein.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a back side of a panel in accordancewith various embodiments herein.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a male panel connection element in accordancewith various embodiments herein.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a toe kick panel end portion inaccordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a toe kick panel connection element inaccordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 18 is a front view of a system of panels in accordance with variousembodiments herein.

FIG. 19 is a front view of a system of panels in accordance with variousembodiments herein.

FIG. 20 is a front view of a grill system in accordance with variousembodiments herein.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart shows various steps for assembling a grillsystem according to various embodiments.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart shows various steps for assembling a grillsystem according to various embodiments.

While embodiments are susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of exampleand drawings, and will be described in detail. It should be understood,however, that the scope herein is not limited to the particular aspectsdescribed. On the contrary, the intention is to cover modifications,equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scopeherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described below and shown in the figures are various embodiments ofcomponents that can be included in a grill system. In many examples, thegrill systems described herein can provide a highly customizable, aneasily assembled, and an easily installed outdoor kitchen environment.

The grill system can include a grill assembly and one or more sideassemblies. The grill assembly can include a burner box, which can beused to cook foods, such as meats and vegetables. Each side assembly caninclude a functional top cap to provide additional functionality to thegrill system. The grill system can further include one or more panels.The panels can be attached to the side cart(s) and/or the grill cart. Insome embodiments, the panels can be decorative panels. The decorativepanels can provide a consistent appearance to the grill system acrossthe various components.

The grill and side assemblies can be shipped or transported in a foldedconfiguration. In the folded configuration, the grill and sideassemblies can have a smaller volume compared to the uprightconfigurations. The smaller volume can reduce the cost of storing andtransporting the components. In various embodiments, installing a panelon a side cart or a grill cart can lock the cart into the uprightconfiguration. In some embodiments, installing a panel on a side cart ora grill cart can provide a secondary lock, such as to lock the cartindependently of a primary lock and/or to prevent a primary lock fromunlocking.

The grill and side assemblies described herein can be easily assembled.In many cases, the grill and side assemblies can be assembled by asingle user or only two users. In many examples, the grill and sideassemblies can be assembled without the use of tools. In many examples,the grill and side assemblies can be assembled quickly, such as in lessthan three minutes for each component.

The systems can include decorative side panels and/or decorative toekick panels to provide a cohesive look to all of the components withinthe system. In some examples, decorative side and toe kick panels can beconfigured to attach at various different locations within the system,such that the same decorative side panel and toe kick panel can be usedwith multiple configurations of the system. A cohesive look can beoffered to consumers with smaller numbers of elements in inventorybecause the decorative side panels and decorative toe kick panels canattached to either the side assemblies or the grill assemblies or both.

Grill System with Grill Assembly and Side Assemblies

The figures show various views and embodiments of grill systems andcomponents. FIG. 1 shows a grill system 100 including a grill assembly102 and a side assembly 104. The grill assembly 102 can include a grillcart 106 and a burner box 108 (also referred to as a “firebox”) coupledto a top portion of the grill cart 106. The side assembly 104 caninclude a side cart 110 and a top cap 112. The top cap 112 can becoupled to a top portion of the side cart 110.

The grill system 100 can further include one or more panels 116. In thefront view shown in FIG. 1 the side panels 116 are shown schematicallyso that their location with respect to other parts in the system isvisible from the front view. However, in some embodiments, the sidepanels 116 would not be seen from the front view, such as when the sidepanels 116 are coupled to side carts as shown in FIG. 9.

The side panels 116 can be decorative panels. In various embodiments,the side panels 116 and the toe kick panel 114 can include the samepattern or appearance on an outer surface, such as to provide a cohesiveappearance to the grill system 100. In some embodiments, a toe kickpanel 114 can be coupled to the front of each of the side carts 110 andto the front of the grill cart 106. In some embodiments, the toe kickpanel 114 coupled to the front of the side cart 110 or the grill cart106 can be substantially perpendicular to the decorative panel 116 whenthe decorative panel 116 is coupled to the side cart 110 or the grillcart 106. In various embodiments, “substantially perpendicular” canrefer to two components that are within 15 degrees of perpendicular,within 10 degrees of perpendicular, within 5 degrees of perpendicular,within 3 degrees of perpendicular, within 1 degree of perpendicular, orare perpendicular.

In some embodiments, a side panel 116 can be coupled to the outer sideof the side cart 110 and a second side panel 116 can be coupled to theouter side of the grill cart 106, such as shown in FIG. 1. A side panel116 can be coupled to the opposite side of the grill cart 106 from theside cart 110. In other embodiments, a side panel 116 can be coupled toan outer side of a first side cart 110, and a second side panel 116 canbe coupled to an outer side of a second side cart 110, such as shown inFIG. 2. In various embodiments, the side carts 110 and grill cart 106can have the same connection mechanisms for connecting a side panel 116,such as to allow a side panel 116 to be coupled to either a side cart110 or a grill cart 106. Consistent connection mechanisms can also allowfor flexibility in rearranging the grill system 100. For example, a usercan change from the system in FIG. 1 to the system in FIG. 2 by adding asecond side cart 110 and moving a decorative side panel 116 from theside of the grill cart to the side of the side cart. In another example,a user can change from the system in FIG. 2 to the system of FIG. 3 bymoving a side cart 110 from one side to another and moving the sidepanels 116 to be present on the outer side surfaces of the rearrangedsystem.

In some embodiments, the grill cart 106 and the side cart 110 can beconfigured to transition between a folded state and an upright state. Invarious embodiments, a panel 116 being coupled to or installed on thegrill cart 106 or the side cart 110 in an upright state can lock thegrill cart 106 or side cart 110 in the upright state, such that itcannot be transitioned to the folded state without first removing theside panel 116.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of a grill system 100 in accordance withvarious embodiments herein. In some embodiments, the grill system 100can include a grill assembly 102, and two or more side assemblies 104.Each of the side assemblies 104 can include a side cart 110 and a topcap 112. In some embodiments, the side assemblies 104 can be disposed onopposite sides of the grill assembly 102, such as shown in FIG. 2. Insome embodiments, the side assemblies 104 can be disposed on the sameside of the grill assembly 102, such as shown in FIG. 3. In otherembodiments, the grill system 100 can include additional side assemblies104, such as three, four, five, six, or more side assemblies 104.

In some embodiments, all of the side assemblies 104 can be located onone side of the grill assembly 102, such as shown in FIG. 3. In someembodiments, side assemblies 104 can be located on both sides of thegrill assembly 102, such as shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, anequal number of side assemblies 104 can be located on either side of thegrill assembly 102. In some embodiments, the number of side assemblies104 on one side of the grill assembly 102 can be greater than or lessthan the number of side assemblies 104 on the other side of the grillassembly 102.

In some embodiments, the grill assembly 102 is coupled to two sideassemblies 104, such as one side assembly 104 on either side of thegrill assembly 102. The grill system 100 can include two side panels116, such as one side panel 116 coupled to the outer side of each of thetwo side carts 110. A first side of each of the side carts 110 can becoupled to opposite sides of the grill cart 106 and a panel 116 can becoupled to a second side of each of the side carts 110.

In various embodiments, the grill assembly 102 can be coupled to a sideassembly 104 such that a side of the grill assembly 102 is adjacent to aside of the side assembly 104, and the front side of the grill cart 106faces in the same direction as the front side of the side cart 110. Thegrill assembly 102 can be further coupled to a second side assembly 104such that a second side of the grill assembly 102 is adjacent to a sideof the second side assembly 104, and the front side of the grill cart106 faces in the same direction as the front side of the second sidecart 110. A side panel 116 can be coupled to the outer side of each ofthe side carts 110, such as shown in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 3, in various embodiments, the grill assembly 102 canbe coupled to a side assembly 104 such that a side of the grill assembly102 is adjacent to a side of the side assembly 104, and the front sideof the grill cart 106 faces in the same direction as the front side ofthe side cart 110. The side assembly 104 can be further coupled to asecond side assembly 104 such that a second side of the first sideassembly 104 is adjacent to a side of the second side assembly 104, andthe front side of the grill cart 106 and front sides of the side carts110 face in the same direction. A side panel 116 can be coupled to theouter side of the second side cart 110 and the outer side of the grillcart 106.

Side Assembly

FIG. 4 shows a front view of a top cap 112 and side panels 116 uncoupledfrom the side cart 110. FIG. 4 shows two side panels 116 to show that invarious embodiments, both sides of a side cart 110 can be configured toreceive a side panel 116; however, in normal use, only one side panel116 would be coupled to the side cart 110 and the side of the side cart110 without a panel would be adjacent to a grill cart 106 or anotherside cart 110.

Top Cap

The top cap 112 is shown as a part of the grill systems of FIGS. 1-4, 7and 8. In various embodiments, the top cap 112 can include a functionalelement. In some embodiments, the functional element can include one ofthe following: a second burner box, an ice box, a smoker, an oven, asink, a work surface, a warming drawer, a sous vide cooker, a high heatburner, a ceramic cooker, a pellet grill, a portion of a pellet grill, apellet feeder, a pellet hopper, or a refrigerator. In some embodimentsof a grill system 100 with two or more side assemblies 104, each of thetop caps 112 can include a different functional element. In someembodiments of a grill system 100 with two or more side assemblies 104,at least two of the functional elements can be the same. In someembodiments of a grill system 100 with two or more side assemblies 104,at least two of the functional elements can be different. The top caps112 are easy to rearrange to move a particular functional element to adifferent location. The top caps 112 are also easy to interchange toprovide a different function.

Side Carts

The side cart 110 can provide a support or a stand for the top cap 112.The side cart 110 can include a bottom portion 434 and a top portion 436(shown in FIG. 4). The top cap 112 can be coupled to the top portion 436of the side cart 110. In some embodiments, the bottom portion 434 caninclude wheels 438, or casters, such as to provide easy portability forthe side assembly 104. In some embodiments, the wheels 438 can include abrake or lock to prevent the wheels from rotating thereby preventing thecart from moving. In various embodiments, the bottom portion 434 caninclude adjustable leveling feet or adjustable leveling wheels to allowa user to adjust the height of the feet or wheels, such as toaccommodate for uneven surfaces.

In some embodiments, the side cart 110 can include one or more doors440. The doors 440 can provide access to the interior of the side cart110. In various embodiments, the interior of the side cart 110 caninclude one or more shelves. In some embodiments, the interior of theside cart 110 can be configured to house or store equipment.

As mentioned above, in various embodiments, the side carts 110 cantransition between an upright state and a folded state. FIG. 5 shows anexample of a side cart 110 in a folded state. In the folded state, thepanel 116 is not coupled to the side cart 110.

In some embodiments, the side cart 110 can include one or more shelves.Each shelf can include a front portion and a back portion. The frontportion can be coupled to the back portion via a hinge or otherrotatable coupling, such as to allow the front portion to rotaterelative to the back portion as the side cart 110 is transitionedbetween the upright state and the folded state. In the folded state, thefront portion can be substantially parallel to the back portion andsubstantially parallel to the front frame 518 of the side cart and theback frame 520 of the side cart. Further, in the folded state, the frontportion and the back portion can be in different planes. In contrast, inthe upright state, the front portion and the back portion can besubstantially in the same plane, such as shown in FIG. 7. In variousembodiments, “substantially parallel” can refer to two components thatare within 15 degrees of parallel, within 10 degrees of parallel, within5 degrees of parallel, within 3 degrees of parallel, within 1 degree ofparallel, or are parallel.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a side cart 110 in a state betweenthe folded state and the upright state, such as during a transitionbetween the folded state and the upright state. FIG. 7 shows the sidecart 110 in an upright state with a top cap 112 coupled to the side cart110. In some embodiments, the arrangement shown in FIG. 7 is unlocked,since the side panel 116 has not been installed on the side cart 110.FIG. 8 shows the side cart 110 in the upright state with the side panel116 installed on the side cart 110.

FIG. 7 shows a side assembly 104 including top cap 112 and side cart 110with two shelves or frames 722, 724. Each shelf or frame includes afront portion 726 and a back portion 728. In the upright state, a topsurface of the front portion 726 is co-planar or substantially co-planarwith a top surface of the back portion 728, so that together they definea single shelf surface. The shelf 722 and shelf 724 are substantiallyperpendicular to the front frame 518 and the back frame 520.

In some embodiments, the shelves 722, 724 can be rotatably coupled tothe frame of the side cart 110 to enable movement between the uprightand folded states. The front portion 726 of each shelf 722, 724 can berotatably coupled to the front frame 518. The back portion 728 can berotatably coupled to the back frame 520. The front portion 726 can berotatably coupled to the back portion 728, such as to allow the shelfportions 726, 728 to rotate as the side cart 110 is transitioned betweenthe upright state shown in FIG. 7, the partially folded state shown inFIG. 6, and the folded states shown in FIG. 5.

Now referring to FIG. 6, a bracket 602 connects the components of theside cart, provides structural stability to the side cart, andfacilitates the transition between the folded state and the uprightstate. The bracket 602 includes a vertical member 604 that is connectedto both the front portion 726 and back portion 728 of each shelf 722,724. In other embodiment the front portion 726 and the back portion 728can be portions of a frame, such as a frame or a linkage that extendsfrom the front frame 518 to the vertical member 604 or from the backframe 520 to the vertical member 604. The connection allows rotation ofthe front portion 726 and the back portion 728 with respect to eachother and with respect to the vertical member. The bracket 602 alsoincludes a front arm 606 and a rear arm 608. The front arm 606 extendsbetween the vertical member 604 and the front frame 518. The rear arm608 extends between the vertical member 604 and the back frame 520. Thefront arm 606 and rear arm 608 are connected to a sliding member 610,such that the front arm 606 and rear arm 608 can pivot with respect tothe sliding member 610. The sliding member 610 can slide up and downalong the vertical member 604 as the side cart 110 is transitioningbetween a folded state and an upright state. In some embodiments, alocking pin 603 can be included. The locking pin 603 can be at leastpartially inserted into an aperture on the vertical member 604, such asto lock the side cart 110 in the upright position. In some embodiments,the locking pin 603 provides a primary locking of the side cart 110 andthe panel 116 being coupled to the side cart 110 can provide a secondarylocking of the side cart 110.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6, a single bracket 602 is present on one endof the side cart. In other embodiments, a bracket 602 is present at bothends of the side cart.

In the folded state shown in FIG. 5, the front frame 518 and back frame520 are close to each other or contacting each other. In the uprightstate shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the front frame and back frame are attheir maximum distance from each other.

In various embodiments, the side cart 110 can include one or more panelconnection elements 730, such as a projection. The side panel 116 canalso include one or more panel connection elements (shown in FIGS. 12and 13). The panel connection elements 730 on the side cart can matewith the panel connection elements on the side panel 116 to couple theside panel 116 to the side cart 110. In some embodiments, the panelconnection element 730 can include a projection and the panel connectionelement on the side panel 116 can define an aperture. The aperture canbe configured for a portion of the projection to extend within therebycoupling the side panel 116 to the side cart 110, such as shown in FIGS.12-14. In other embodiments, the panel connection elements 730 on theside cart 110 can define an aperture, and the panel connection elementon the side panel 116 can include a projection.

FIG. 9 shows a top view of a side cart 110 and side panel 116. Asdiscussed above the side cart 110 can include a front frame 518, a backframe 520 opposite from the front frame 518, and a shelf or frame 722extending between the front frame 518 and the back frame 520.

In various embodiments, with a side panel 116 installed, the side cart110 can be locked in the upright configuration, such that the frontframe 518 and back frame 520 cannot be moved closer to each otherwithout first removing the side panel. In some embodiments, the panelconnection elements 932 on the panel 116 can be positioned such thatthey are located just within the forward most portion of the back frame520 and just within the back most portion of the front frame 518, suchas shown in FIG. 9. In this configuration, a portion of the side panel116 is positioned between the front frame 518 and the back frame 520.The front frame 518 can be prevented from moving closer to the backframe 520 because of the interference with movement by the rigid panelconnection elements 932 and the rigid side panel 116. In someembodiments, in the locked upright state, the panel connection elements932 can contact the front frame 518 and the back frame 520.

In some embodiments, the panel 116 can be right handed, such asconfigured to fit on the right side of a side cart, or left handed(shown in FIG. 9), such as configured to fit on the left side of a sidecart 110. FIG. 9 shows a top view of a side cart 110 with a left handedpanel 116 attached to a left side of the side cart 110. A panel 116 canbe defined as right or left handed based on the distance of theconnection elements 932 to the adjacent edges of the panel 116. As canbe seen in FIG. 9, the front panel connection element 932 can be locateda first distance 915 away from the front edge of the panel 116. Thefirst distance 915 can be equivalent to the depth of front post 937. Therear panel connection element 932 can be located a second distance 917away from the back edge of the panel 116. The second distance 917 can beequivalent to the depth of the back post 939 and the rear frame 941.

In some embodiments, the front post 937 can have a depth that isequivalent to the depth of the back post 939 and the rear frame 941,such that the first distance 915 is equivalent to the second distance917. As result, the panel 116 can be universal, such that it could fiton either the right side of the grill system 100 or the left side of thegrill system 100.

Grill Cart

The grill cart 106 can provide a support or a stand for the burner box108. Similar to the side cart 110, the grill cart 106 can transitionbetween a folded state (shown in FIG. 10) and an upright state (shown inFIG. 11). FIG. 10 shows a side view of a grill cart 106 in a foldedstate and FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a grill cart 106 in anupright state.

The grill cart 106 can include a bottom portion 1142 and a top portion1144 (shown in FIG. 11). The burner box 108 (FIG. 1) can be coupled tothe top portion 1144 of the grill cart 106. In some embodiments, thebottom portion 1142 can include wheels 1146, or casters, such as toprovide easy portability for the grill assembly 102. In someembodiments, the wheels 1146 can include a brake or lock to prevent thewheels from rotating thereby preventing the cart from moving. In variousembodiments, the bottom portion 1142 can include adjustable levelingfeet or adjustable leveling wheels to allow a user to adjust the heightof the feet or wheels, such as to accommodate for uneven surfaces, whichcan be common in outdoor applications.

In some embodiments, the grill cart 106 can include one or more doors1148. The doors 1148 can provide access to the interior of the grillcart 106. In various embodiments, the interior of the grill cart 106 canhouse a gas tank. The gas tank can supply the burner box 108 with gas.In some embodiments, the burner box 108 can burn charcoal, wood, orother fuel sources. In some embodiments, the burner box 108 can have theform of a pellet grill. In some embodiments, the burner box 108 can havethe form of a charcoal grill. In some embodiments, the interior of thegrill cart 106 can be configured to house or store other relatedequipment, such as tongs, spatulas, or brushes.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a grill cart 106 in folded configuration inaccordance with various embodiments herein. In various embodiments, thegrill cart 106 can be transitioned between a folded state and an uprightstate. In an upright state, the grill cart 106 can provide a base orstand for the burner box 108. In the folded state, the grill cart 106can be easily transported or stored. When in a folded state the grillcart 106 can have a smaller volume compared to when the grill cart 106is in the upright state. In various embodiments, the grill cart 106 canbe transitioned between the folded state and upright state without anytools.

Similar to the side cart 110, in various embodiments, the grill cart 106can include one or more side panel connection elements 730. In variousembodiments, the panel connection elements 730 are the same as the panelconnection elements 730 on the side cart 110, such as to allow the sidepanels 116 to be connected to either a side cart 110 or a grill cart 106in the same manner.

Similar to the side cart 110, the grill cart 106 can include one or moreshelves or frames (such as portion of a shelf or a portion of theperimeter of a shelf) 1050. Each shelf or frame 1050 can include a frontportion 1052 and a back portion 1054. In the upright state, a topsurface of the front portion 1052 of a shelf 1050 is coplanar with a topsurface of the back portion 1054 of the shelf 1050. Each shelf 1050 issubstantially perpendicular to the front frame 518 and the back frame520.

In some embodiments, each shelf portion can be rotatably coupled to theframe of the grill cart 106, to a bracket, and to each other. The frontportion 1052 can be rotatably coupled to the front frame 1056. The backportion 1054 can be rotatably coupled to the rear frame 1058. The frontportion 1052 can be rotatably coupled to the back portion 1054, such asto allow the shelf portions 1052, 1054 to rotate as the grill cart 106is transitioned between the upright state and the folded state.

A bracket 1162 connects the components of the grill cart, providesstructural stability to the side cart, and facilitates the transitionbetween the folded state and the upright state. The bracket 1162includes a vertical member 1164 that is connected to both the frontportion 1052 and back portion 1054 of each shelf 1050. The connectionallows rotation of the front portion 1052 and the back portion 1054 withrespect to each other and with respect to the vertical member. Thebracket 1162 also includes a front arm 1166 and a rear arm 1168. Thefront arm 1166 extends between the vertical member 1164 and the frontframe 1056. The rear arm 1168 extends between the vertical member 1164and the rear frame 1058. The front arm 1166 and rear arm 1168 areconnected to a sliding member 1170, such that the front arm 1166 andrear arm 1168 can pivot with respect to the sliding member 1170. Thesliding member 1170 can slide up and down along the vertical member 1164as the grill cart 106 is transitioning between a folded state shown inFIG. 10 and an upright state shown in FIG. 11. It is possible for thebracket 1162 to be provided at one end of the grill cart or at both endsof the grill cart.

In the folded state shown in FIG. 11, the front frame 1056 and rearframe 1058 are close to each other or contacting each other. In theupright state shown in FIG. 11, the front frame and rear frame are attheir maximum distance from each other.

It should be understood that the general construction and operation ofthe grill cart 106 can be the same as the side cart 110, such as withregards to the front frame, back frame, upright configuration, foldedconfiguration, panel connection, bracket, locking pin, and locking ofthe cart in the upright configuration. For example, the grill cart 106can be provided with a locking pin on an outside surface of the slidingmember 1170, similar to locking pin 603 shown in FIG. 6 on the side cart110. In another example, the grill cart 106 can be provided with alocking pin on an inside surface of the sliding member 1170.

Various alternate examples of grill carts with pivoting and rotatingpanels to allow the cart to transition between a folded state and anupright state can be found in co-owned U.S. application Ser. No.15/937,666 filed on Mar. 27, 2018 and U.S. application Ser. No.15/262,733 filed on Sep. 12, 2016, which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety.

Panel Connections

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of one example of a panel connectionelement 932 according to various embodiments. FIG. 13 shows aperspective view of one example of an inner surface of the panel 116.FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of another example of an inner surfaceof the panel 116. FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of one example of apanel connection element 730 on either the side cart 110 or the grillcart 106. It should be understood that the male connection element 730shown in FIG. 15 could be located on the panel 116, and the femaleconnection element 932 shown in FIG. 12 could be located on the grillcart 106 and side cart 110. Also, many different configurations of thepanel connection elements could be used in the system.

In various embodiments, the panel 116 can include more than one panelconnection element 932, such as two, three, four, or six. The grill cart106 and the side cart 110 can include the same number of panelconnection elements 730 on each side as the panel 116 includes. In someembodiments, the panel 116 can include a panel connection element 932 ineach of the four corners, such as shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 13 shows a back view of a universal panel 116 including a panelconnection element 932 located a first distance 1333 away from anadjacent edge of the panel 116 and a second panel connection element 932a second distance 1335 away from an adjacent edge of the panel 116. Thefirst distance 1333 on the panel 116 can relate to the first distance915 of the side cart shown in FIG. 9. Similarly, the second distance1335 of the panel 116 can relate to the second distance 917 of the sidecart 110. In some embodiments, the first distance 1333 can be equivalentto the second distance 1335 shown in FIG. 13. Such an embodiment isconsistent with a system where the same panel 116 can be universal tofit either a side cart 110 on the right side of the grill cart 106 or aside cart 110 on the left side of the grill cart 106. In someembodiments, the first distance 1333 can be larger than the seconddistance 1335. In some embodiments, the first distance 1333 can besmaller than the second distance 1335.

FIG. 14 shows a back view of a left handed side panel 116 including apanel connection element 932 located a first distance 1433 away from anadjacent edge of the panel 116 and a second panel connection element 932located a second distance 1435 away from an adjacent edge of the panel.In the embodiment of FIG. 14, the first distance 1433 is smaller thanthe second distance 1435, such as to conform to the side cart 110 shownin FIG. 9 which is designed to accept a left handed side panel.

In various embodiments, the panel connection element 932 can include anaperture 1262 (shown in FIG. 12) configured to mate with a projectionshaped panel connection element 730 (shown in FIG. 15). The panelconnection element 730 can be configured to fit at least partiallywithin the aperture 1262 to couple the panel 116 to a grill cart 106 orside cart 110.

In one example, now referring to FIG. 15, the panel connection element730 includes a neck portion 1502 and a head portion 1504. In someexamples, the neck portion 1502 and the head portion are bothcylindrical. The head portion has a larger width dimension, such asdiameter in the case of cylindrical shapes, than the neck portion.

The mating female panel connection element 932 includes base portionattached to the panel and an extension portion that extends away fromthe side panel substantially perpendicular to the base portion. The baseportion and extension portion are both rectangular plates. In oneexample, the panel connection element 932 is made of metal. In oneexample, the panel connection element is made from a metal plate that isbent to form an angle, such as a 90 degree angle.

In one example, the extension portion of the panel connection elementdefines an aperture 1262. The aperture 1262 can be an L-shaped aperturesized to receive the neck portion of the panel connection element 730.The aperture 1262 has an open leg and a closed leg extendingsubstantially perpendicular to the open leg from a junction location. Asthe side panel is attached to the panel connection element 730, the neckportion of the panel connection element 730 is received into the openleg of the L-shaped aperture and advanced along the open leg until theneck portion reaches the junction location. Then the side panel islowered into an attached position where the neck portion rests in theclosed leg portion of the aperture. The weight of the side panel is bornby the panel connection element 730 to allow the side panel to bepositioned on the side cart or grill cart.

A width dimension of the aperture 1262 is larger than a largest widthdimension, such as diameter, of the neck portion of the panel connectionelement 730. The head portion has a larger width dimension, such asdiameter, than the width of the aperture 1262.

In alternate embodiments, the panel 116 can be connected to the grillcart 106 or side cart 110 with a latch mechanism or bulldog catch.

Toe Kick Panel Connections

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of an end portion of a toe kick panel114. FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of a location 1700 of the sidecart or grill cart to which the toe kick panel 114 will attach. FIG. 2shows toe kick panels 114 located on a grill cart and a side cart.Location 1700 is under the toe kick panels in FIG. 2.

In some examples, the connection structure shown on the toe kick panel114 in FIG. 16 can be located on the side cart or grill cart at location1700, and the connection feature shown in FIG. 17 can be located on thetoe kick panel 114.

The connection between a toe kick panel 114 and a grill cart 106 or aside cart 110 can include an aperture 1666 and projection 1768. Theaperture 1666 can be configured to receive at least a portion of theprojection 1768 to couple the toe kick panel 114 to the side cart 110 orthe grill cart 106.

In one example, now referring to FIG. 17, the projection 1768 includes aneck portion 1702 and a head portion 1704. In some examples, the neckportion 1702 and the head portion 1704 are both cylindrical. The headportion has a larger width dimension, such as diameter in the case ofcylindrical shapes, than the neck portion.

One example of a mating female connection element is an aperture 1666defined on one wall of the toe kick panel 114 as shown in FIG. 16. Inone example, the aperture is keyhole shaped, including a circularportion for receiving the projection 1768 and a lateral portion sized toaccommodate the neck portion 1702 but not allow the head portion 1704 topass through. As the toe kick panel is attached to the location 1700,the head portion and neck portion of the projection is received into thecircular portion of the aperture 1666. Then the toe kick panel 114 ismoved laterally so that the neck portion is received in the lateralportion of the aperture. The weight of the toe kick panel is born by theprojections 1768 to allow the toe kick panel to be positioned on theside cart or grill cart.

In various embodiments, the toe kick panel 114 can include oneconnection structure, one connection structure at each end, twoconnection structures at each end, or various numbers of connectionstructures, such as two, three, four, or six. The location 1700 wherethe toe kick panel will be attached to the grill cart 106 or the sidecart 110 can include the same number of toe kick panel connectionelements as the toe kick panel 114. In some embodiments, the toe kickpanel 114 can include a connection structure, such as an aperture 1666or a projection 1768, in each of four corners.

System of Panels

FIG. 18 shows a front view of a set of panels 1870 in accordance withvarious embodiments herein. A set of panels 1870 can include at leastone side panel 1816, at least one toe kick panel 1814 for a side cart,and at least one toe kick panel 1815 for a grill cart. In an embodiment,a set of panels 1870 can include two side panels 1816 and three toe kickpanels 1814, such as one for a grill cart 106 and one for each of thetwo side carts 110. In various embodiments, the set of panels 1870 canall include a similar design, pattern, or finish on an outer surface,such as a painted or otherwise applied common color, wood, stone, ormetal, such as stainless steel.

FIG. 19 shows a front view of a set of panels 1970 with a differentdesign than the set of panels 1870 shown in FIG. 18. The set of panels1970 can include at least one side panel 1916, at least one toe kickpanel 1914 for a side cart, and at least one toe kick panel 1915 for agrill cart. In various embodiments, a user can change the generalappearance of the grill system 100 by switching out a first set ofpanels with a second set of panels having a different design. In anembodiment, a first and a second side panel 1816 can include a firstdesign, and a third and a fourth side panel 1916 can include a second,different design.

FIG. 20 shows a front view of a grill system 2000 with a set of panels1970 with a first design installed on the grill system 2000. The systemis designed to allow removing the first set of panels 1970 and attachinga second set of panels, such as the set of panels 1870 shown in FIG. 18.The second set of panels 1870 could be installed on the grill systemafter the first set of panels 1970 is removed. In some examples, thepanels can be removed and attached without any tools. In some examples,all of the side panels have the same connection structures and all ofthe toe kick panels have the same connection structures, while all ofthe connection locations on the grill cart and side cart have a commonmating connection structure. As a result, each side panels can be usedin multiple locations on the grill system and each side cart toe kickpanel can be used in multiple location on the grill system. The abilityto interchange locations of the side panels and toe kick panels reducesthe number of inventory items for the grill system.

In various examples, a set of panels includes any combination of oneside panel, two side panels, one grill cart toe kick panel, and one,two, three or four side cart toe kick panels. In one example, a set ofpanels includes two side panels, one toe kick panel for a grill cart,and one toe kick panel for a side cart.

In various examples, each of the panels in a set of panels is adecorative panel having an inner side configured to face the grillsystem and an outer side configured to face away from the grill systemand away from the connection elements. The outer side includes a designelement.

There are many options available for the design element on an outersurface of a panel. One option is a sheet of material, such as a sheetof stainless steel, wood, wood laminate, plastic, or other material.Another option is a sheet of a material structured to have with anappearance of stone. Another option is a surface decoration using paint,a coating, or a texture.

Methods

FIG. 21 is a flow chart depicting various steps in a method 2100 forassembling a grill system according to various embodiments. The method2100 can include aligning a burner box with a top portion of a grillcart, step 2102. The method 2100 can include coupling the burner box tothe grill cart to form a grill assembly, step 2104. The method 2100 caninclude transitioning a first side cart from a folded state to anupright state, step 2106. The method 2100 can include locking the firstside cart in the upright state, such as by coupling a panel to the sidecart, step 2108. In some embodiments, coupling the panel to the sidecart can form a side assembly. In some embodiments, steps 2106 and 2108can take place before steps 2102 and 2104.

The method 2100 can include aligning the first side assembly with thegrill assembly, step 2110. The method 2100 can include coupling thefirst side assembly to the grill assembly, step 2112.

In some embodiments, the method 2100 can include coupling a second panelto the grill cart. The second decorative panel can be coupled to a sideof the grill cart that is opposite from the first side assembly.

In some embodiments, the method 2100 can include aligning a first topcap with the side cart and coupling the first top cap with the firstside cart. The first top cap can include a functional element.

In some embodiments, the method 2100 can include transitioning a secondside cart from a folded state to an upright state, locking the secondside cart in the upright state by coupling a second decorative panel tothe second side cart thereby forming a second side assembly; aligningthe second side assembly with the grill assembly on the opposite sidefrom the first side assembly; and coupling the second side assembly tothe grill assembly.

In some embodiments, the method 2100 can include aligning a first topcap with the first side cart; coupling the first top cap with the firstside cart; aligning a second top cap with the second side cart; andcoupling the second top cap with the second side cart. The first top capand the second top cap can include functional elements selected from thegroup consisting of: a second burner box, an ice box, a smoker, an oven,a sink, a work surface, a warming drawer, a sous vide, a high heatburner, a ceramic cooker, a pellet grill, a portion of a pellet grill, apellet feeder, a pellet hopper, or a refrigerator. In some embodiments,the functional element of the first top cap is not equivalent to thefunctional element of the second top cap.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart depicting various steps in a method 2200 forassembling a grill system according to various embodiments. The method2200 can include coupling a grill assembly to a first side assembly,step 2202. The grill assembly can include a grill cart. The grill cartcan include a front side, a back side, a first side, and a second side.The first side assembly can include a first side cart. The first sidecart can include a front side, a back side, a first side, and a secondside. The method 2200 can include coupling a first decorative panel to aside of the first side cart or a side of the grill cart, step 2204. Thefirst decorative panel can be configured to be coupled to both the sideof the first side cart or the side of the grill cart. In someembodiments, coupling the grill assembly to the first side assembly canresult in the first side of the grill cart being adjacent to the firstside of the first side cart, and the front side of the grill cart facingin the same direction as the front side of the first side cart.

In some embodiments, the method 2200 can include coupling a seconddecorative panel to the second side of the grill cart. In someembodiment, the first decorative panel can include a first design on anouter surface facing away from the side cart, and second decorativepanel can include the first design on an outer surface facing away fromthe grill cart.

In some embodiments, the method 2200 can include coupling the grillassembly to a second side assembly. The second side assembly can includea second side cart. The second side cart can include a front side, aback side, a first side, and a second side. The method 2200 can includecoupling a second decorative panel to the second side of the second sidecart. In some embodiments, coupling the grill assembly to the secondside assembly results in the second side of the grill cart beingadjacent to the first side of the second side cart, and the front sideof the grill cart facing in the same direction as the front side of thesecond side cart.

In some embodiments, the method 2200 can include uncoupling the firstdecorative panel from the first side cart; removing the first decorativepanel from the first side assembly; coupling a second side assembly tothe first side assembly. The second side assembly can include a secondside cart. The second side cart can include a front side, a back side, afirst side, and a second side. The method 2200 can include coupling thefirst decorative panel to the second side of the second side cart.Coupling the second side assembly to the first side assembly can resultin the second side of the first side cart being adjacent to the firstside of the second side cart, and the front side of the first side cartfacing in the same direction as the front side of the second side cart.

In some embodiments, the method 2200 can include coupling a first topcap to the first side cart. In some embodiments, the method 2200 caninclude coupling the grill assembly to a second side assembly. Thesecond side assembly can include a second side cart. The second sidecart can include a front side, a back side, a first side, and a secondside.

In some embodiments, the method 2200 can include coupling a seconddecorative panel to the second side of the second side cart; andcoupling a second top cap to the second side cart. In some embodiments,coupling the grill assembly to the second side assembly can result inthe second side of the grill cart being adjacent to the first side ofthe second side cart, and the front side of the grill cart facing in thesame direction as the front side of the second side cart. In someembodiments, the selected functional element for the first top cap isnot equivalent to the selected functional element for the second topcap.

It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referentsunless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be notedthat the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or”unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and theappended claims, the phrase “configured” describes a system, apparatus,or other structure that is constructed or configured to perform aparticular task or adopt a particular configuration. The phrase“configured” can be used interchangeably with other similar phrases suchas arranged and configured, constructed and arranged, constructed,manufactured and arranged, and the like.

All publications and patent applications in this specification areindicative of the level of ordinary skill in the art to which thisinvention pertains. All publications and patent applications are hereinincorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individualpublication or patent application was specifically and individuallyindicated by reference.

As used herein, the recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints shallinclude all numbers subsumed within that range (e.g., 2 to 8 includes2.1, 2.8, 5.3, 7, etc.).

The headings used herein are provided for consistency with suggestionsunder 37 CFR 1.77 or otherwise to provide organizational cues. Theseheadings shall not be viewed to limit or characterize the invention(s)set out in any claims that may issue from this disclosure. As anexample, although the headings refer to a “Field,” such claims shouldnot be limited by the language chosen under this heading to describe theso-called technical field. Further, a description of a technology in the“Background” is not an admission that technology is prior art to anyinvention(s) in this disclosure. Neither is the “Summary” to beconsidered as a characterization of the invention(s) set forth in issuedclaims.

The embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the followingdetailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and describedso that others skilled in the art can appreciate and understand theprinciples and practices. As such, aspects have been described withreference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques.However, it should be understood that many variations and modificationsmay be made while remaining within the spirit and scope herein.

1. A grill system, comprising: a grill assembly comprising a grill cartand a burner box coupled to a top portion of the grill cart; and a firstside assembly comprising a first side cart and a first panel; whereinthe first side cart is configured to be transitioned between a foldedstate and an upright state; wherein the grill assembly is coupled to thefirst side assembly; wherein when the first panel is coupled to an outerside of the first side cart, the first side cart is locked into theupright state.
 2. The grill system of claim 1, wherein the first sidecart comprises: a front frame; a back frame opposite from the frontframe; and a first shelf extending from the front frame to the backframe; wherein the first shelf comprises a front half and a back half,the front half rotatably coupled to the back half and rotatably coupledto the front frame, and the back half rotatably coupled to the backframe, such that when the first side cart is in the folded state thefront half and the back half are not located in the same plane and whenthe first side cart is in the upright state the front half and the backhalf are in the same plane.
 3. The grill system of claim 2, wherein inthe folded state the front half is substantially parallel with the backhalf, the front frame and the back frame.
 4. The grill system of claim3, wherein in the upright state the front half is substantially parallelwith the back half, and the first shelf is substantially perpendicularto the front frame and the back frame.
 5. The grill system of claim 2,wherein the first side cart further comprises a second shelf extendingfrom the front frame to the back frame; wherein the second shelfcomprises a front half and a back half, the front half rotatably coupledto the back half and rotatably coupled to the front frame, and the backhalf rotatably coupled to the back frame, such that when the first sidecart is in the folded state the front half and the back half are notlocated in the same plane and when the first side cart is in the uprightstate the front half and the back half are in the same plane.
 6. Thegrill system of claim 2, wherein in the locked upright state, the firstpanel prevents the back frame of the first side cart from being able tobe moved closer to the front frame of the first side cart.
 7. The grillsystem of claim 2, wherein in the locked upright state, the first panelis disposed between a portion of the front frame and a portion of theback frame.
 8. The grill system of claim 7, wherein in the lockedupright state, the first panel contacts a portion of the front frame anda portion of the back frame.
 9. The grill system of claim 1, furthercomprising a second panel; wherein the second panel is coupled to thegrill cart on an opposite side of the grill cart from the first sideassembly.
 10. The grill system of claim 1, further comprising a secondside assembly comprising a second side cart and a second panel, whereinthe second side cart is configured to be transitioned between a foldedstate and an upright state; wherein the second side assembly is coupledto the grill assembly on an opposite side of the grill assembly from thefirst side assembly; wherein when the second panel is coupled to anouter side of the second side cart, opposite from the grill assembly,the second side cart is locked in the upright state.
 11. The grillsystem of claim 2, further comprising a toe kick panel coupled to thefront frame of the first side cart; wherein the toe kick panel issubstantially perpendicular to the first panel when the first panel iscoupled to the outer side of the first side cart; wherein the toe kickpanel includes a first design and the first panel include the firstdesign.
 12. The grill system of claim 1, wherein the first side cartcomprises a panel connection projection and the first panel defines apanel connection aperture configured for a portion of the panelconnection projection to extend within.
 13. The grill system of claim 1,wherein the first panel and the first side cart are coupled togetherwith a latch.
 14. A method of assembling a grill system, comprising:aligning a burner box with a top portion of a grill cart; coupling theburner box to the grill cart to form a grill assembly; transitioning afirst side cart from a folded state to an upright state; locking thefirst side cart in the upright state thereby forming a first sideassembly; aligning the first side assembly with the grill assembly; andcoupling the first side assembly to the grill assembly.
 15. The methodof assembling a grill system of claim 14, wherein the first side cart islocked in the upright state by coupling a first panel to the first sidecart.
 16. The method of assembling a grill system of claim 14, furthercomprising: coupling a second panel to the grill cart; wherein thesecond panel is coupled to a side of the grill cart that is oppositefrom the first side assembly.
 17. The method of assembling a grillsystem of claim 14, further comprising: aligning a first top cap withthe first side cart; and coupling the first top cap with the first sidecart; wherein the first top cap comprises a functional element selectedfrom the group consisting of: a second burner box, an ice box, a smoker,an oven, a sink, a work surface, a warming drawer, a sous vide, a highheat burner, a ceramic cooker, a pellet grill, a portion of a pelletgrill, a pellet feeder, a pellet hopper, or a refrigerator.
 18. Themethod of assembling a grill system of claim 14, further comprising:transitioning a second side cart from a folded state to an uprightstate; locking the second side cart in the upright state thereby forminga second side assembly; aligning the second side assembly with the grillassembly on the opposite side from the first side assembly; and couplingthe second side assembly to the grill assembly.
 19. The method ofassembling a grill system of claim 18, wherein the second side cart islocked in the upright state by coupling a second panel to the secondside cart.
 20. The method of assembling a grill system of claim 18,further comprising: aligning a first top cap with the first side cart;coupling the first top cap with the first side cart; aligning a secondtop cap with the second side cart; and coupling the second top cap withthe second side cart; wherein the first top cap comprises a functionalelement selected from the group consisting of: a second burner box, anice box, a smoker, an oven, a sink, a work surface, a warming drawer, asous vide, a high heat burner, a ceramic cooker, a pellet grill, aportion of a pellet grill, a pellet feeder, a pellet hopper, or arefrigerator; wherein the second top cap comprises a functional elementselected from the group consisting of: a second burner box, an ice box,a smoker, an oven, a sink, a work surface, a warming drawer, a sousvide, a high heat burner, a ceramic cooker, a pellet grill, a portion ofa pellet grill, a pellet feeder, a pellet hopper, or a refrigerator. 21.The method of assembling a grill system of claim 20, wherein thefunctional element of the first top cap is not equivalent to thefunctional element of the second top cap.
 22. A grill system,comprising: a grill assembly comprising a grill cart and a burner boxcoupled to a top portion of the grill cart; and a first side assemblycomprising a first side cart, a first top cap, and a first panel;wherein the first top cap is coupled to a top portion of the first sidecart, wherein the first side cart is configured to be transitionedbetween a folded state and an upright state; wherein the grill assemblyis coupled to the first side assembly; wherein when the first panel iscoupled to an outer side of the first side cart, the first side cart islocked in the upright state; wherein the first top cap comprises afunctional element selected from the group consisting of: a secondburner box, an ice box, a smoker, an oven, a sink, a work surface, awarming drawer, a sous vide, a high heat burner, a ceramic cooker, apellet grill, a portion of a pellet grill, a pellet feeder, a pellethopper, or a refrigerator.
 23. The grill system of claim 22, furthercomprising: a second side assembly comprising a second side cart, asecond top cap, and a second panel; wherein the second top cap iscoupled to a top portion of the second side cart, wherein the secondside cart is configured to be transitioned between a folded state and anupright state; wherein the second side assembly is coupled to the grillassembly; wherein when the second panel is coupled to an outer side ofthe second side cart the second side cart is locked in the uprightstate; wherein the second top cap comprises a functional elementselected from the group consisting of: a second burner box, an ice box,a smoker, an oven, a sink, a work surface, a warming drawer, a sousvide, a high heat burner, a ceramic cooker, a pellet grill, a portion ofa pellet grill, a pellet feeder, a pellet hopper, or a refrigerator;wherein the functional element of the first top cap is not equivalent tothe functional element of the second top cap.
 24. A grill assembly,comprising: a grill cart configured to be transitioned between a foldedstate and an upright state; a burner box; and a panel; wherein theburner box is coupled to a top portion of the grill cart; wherein whenthe panel is coupled to an outer side of the grill cart the grill cartis locked into the upright state.